YOSHIKI Shares Footage from Performance of U.S. National Anthem at L.A. Dodger Stadium

As previously reported, YOSHIKI was chosen to perform the U.S. National Anthem at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 16th, which was "Hello Kitty Night". During the appearance, he also performed his band X JAPAN's hit song Endless Rain.

The performance was greeted with loud applause from the players, officials, and audience members, which included fans who traveled from around the U.S. and other countries to watch.

YOSHIKI received more cheers when he was asked to make the ceremonial opening announcement broadcast over the stadium: "It's time for Dodgers Baseball!". He was also presented with autographed jerseys from Dodgers' star players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto and his own custom "YOSHIKI" jersey with number 44.

YOSHIKI commented:

"It was an honor to talk with Ohtani and Yamamoto, who also live in L.A. I received signed uniforms from the two of them. In addition, I was surprised to receive a uniform with my own name on it from the Dodgers. After meeting athletes Ohtani and Yamamoto, I feel grateful and inspired to take on the world. I'm happy that in addition to Hello Kitty, yoshikitty also came to Dodger Stadium. It was an amazing day. I didn't expect that I would perform the American National Anthem twice due to sound issues. As soon as I heard the loud applause after my performance, I was glad that I did my best, including the improvisation. It was worth it to come back to L.A. despite the extremely demanding schedule. Thank you to everyone."

Earlier this year, YOSHIKI was chosen to create the global theme song for Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary celebration. A character called yoshikitty – modeled after YOSHIKI – is also competing in the global Sanrio Character Ranking for the tenth straight year, alongside Hello Kitty and other popular characters. yoshikitty is the first Sanrio character to be modeled after a real person.

International fans can support yoshikitty by voting once a day from all their devices here. Voting runs through May 26th.


Watch the Dodger Stadium performance: